Nicky Henson

Syriana -- Big oil means big money. And that fact unleashes corruption that stretches from Houston to Washington to the Mideast.

Big oil means big money. And that fact unleashes corruption that stretches from Houston to Washington to the Mideast.

Oil drives greed in this politically-charged epic about the state of the oil industry. The fates of four characters intertwine: a CIA agent, a suspect American businessman, an idealistic Saudi Arabian and the terrorist who plots to assassinate him.

Living in England in the 1950s, Vera Drake is a selfless woman completely devoted to her working-class family. A natural-born caregiver, she also spends time caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother. And although the practice is illegal, she also secretly helps desperate women induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. Vera does not see herself as a criminal, however; she is simply helping women in medical need, and she always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. But when the authorities finally discover what she has been doing, Vera's world and family life begin to unravel rapidly. Starring Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominee Imelda Staunton ("Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Shakespeare in Love") in the title role. Also starring Academy Award and Golden Globe-winner Jim Broadbent ("Inkheart," "Hot Fuzz") and Eddie Marsan ("V for Vendetta," "Hancock").